2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning
Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme – Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning role at WSP.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global reach, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in our collaborative, supportive environment, where your creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. Whether your interest is in working with communities, driving sustainable development, or supporting innovative infrastructure, your talents will find a home with us.
Recruiting for Graduates in Services & Locations
* Planning Consultancy: Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Leeds
* Infrastructure Planning: London and Exeter
About the roles
Planning Consultancy
Our Planning Consultancy teams work on large transformational projects across the UK, collaborating with communities to deliver sustainable development. We guide clients through the planning process, from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction. Work spans residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail, defence and the Middle East.
Infrastructure Planning
Graduates help deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure by combining research, policy insight and stakeholder collaboration. You’ll contribute to planning applications, site appraisals, and community engagement, informing transport schemes, utility upgrades and energy proposals that balance technical feasibility with environmental and social value.
Projects
* Great British Energy – shaping next‑generation nuclear power.
* Tees Valley Active Travel Scheme – delivering £150 million of active travel routes.
* Yorkshire Water – strategic water resource schemes and new water‑reuse corridors.
Day‑to‑Day Activities (Planning Consultancy)
* Varied workload across multiple sectors.
* Undertaking planning appraisals and drafting planning documents.
* Project‑managing and leading smaller projects.
* Working in teams on larger projects.
* Managing environmental teams.
* Submitting and managing planning applications and appeals.
* Managing project budgets.
Day‑to‑Day Activities (Infrastructure Planning)
* Supporting the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, appeals and enquiries.
* Conducting site appraisals and feasibility studies.
* Drafting planning statements, design and access statements.
* Researching local and national policy and preparing concise briefs.
* Coordinating stakeholder and community engagement.
* Liaising with consultants to integrate inputs into planning deliverables.
* Maintaining project trackers, monitoring deadlines and identifying risks.
* Using GIS mapping and visualisations to support recommendations.
* Assisting in discharging planning conditions and compiling evidence logs.
Graduate Development Programme
The two‑year programme supports personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, workshops, networking, mentoring for professional registration and on‑the‑job experience.
Eligibility & Requirements
You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) relevant to the role. Applicants must:
* Complete the application form in full and answer all specific questions.
* Proceed to an online skill enabler assessment.
* Be ready to start work in September 2026.
* Passion for planning & consulting.
* Desire for built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy.
* Enthusiasm for creativity and problem‑solving.
* Willingness to inspire with new ideas.
Don’t quite meet all criteria? If you have the right qualifications, apply and we will assess how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities in our Graduate programme.
Application & Selection
We review applications on a rolling basis. Submit early to maximise consideration.
Benefits & Support
Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy – home two days a week. Modern offices across UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging: Celebrate diversity, support identity, employee resource groups.
Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support.
Flex your time: WSP My Hour – one hour per day for personal activities, part‑time & flexible arrangements available.
Your development: Training, mentoring and Chartered options.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
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